ATHENS, Ga.—Georgia redshirt junior Marcus Thornton was named to the 2014 SEC Community Service Team, the conference office announced Monday. The award recognizes the accomplishments of student-athletes beyond the court of competition.

The Atlanta native participates with the annual Hosea Feed the Hungry program in Atlanta, in addition to taking part in the Athens Boys and Girls Club annual Christmas shopping event. He also has given his time to the East Lake YMCA and Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church. Earlier this year, he pitched in at the Special Olympics’ “Home Runs for Hometown Heroes” event held at Foley Field, in addition to volunteering at the annual Do It For Brophy 5K Run/Walk.

This marks the 16th year for the SEC men’s and women’s basketball Community Service Teams. All 21 league-sponsored sports have had a Community Service Team since 2004, with at-large teams for men's and women's sports being chosen from 1999-2003. The SEC began this concept with a football Community Service Team in 1994.

This season, Thornton is averaging 8.2 points and six rebounds per game. The Bulldogs (18-12, 12-6) will open play at the 2014 SEC Tournament in Atlanta on Friday evening.